Mira Murati Raises Capital for New AI Startup

Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is reportedly in the process of raising capital for her new artificial intelligence startup. This news comes from sources who are familiar with the situation but wish to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the discussions. The new venture aims to develop AI products that utilize proprietary models, which means they will create unique technology that is not available elsewhere.

While it remains uncertain whether Murati will take on the role of CEO in her new company, the potential for significant funding is evident. According to one source, Murati's reputation in the tech industry could help her raise over $100 million, although these figures are still in the early stages of negotiation. This amount is crucial for training proprietary models, which can be quite expensive.

Another notable figure, Barret Zoph, who also left OpenAI around the same time as Murati, may join her in this new endeavor. Zoph has not commented on the matter, but there are indications that he is planning to start his own company as well. Murati has been actively recruiting former OpenAI employees to join her team, which suggests she is serious about building a strong foundation for her startup.

During her time at OpenAI, which spanned over six years, Murati played a pivotal role in groundbreaking projects such as ChatGPT and DALL-E. She was instrumental in establishing OpenAI's multibillion-dollar partnership with Microsoft, the company's largest financial supporter. Her rapid ascent within OpenAI has made her one of the most recognized figures in the emerging field of artificial intelligence.

Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 and was promoted to CTO in May 2022. Before her tenure at OpenAI, she worked at Leap Motion, a startup focused on augmented reality, and Tesla, the well-known electric vehicle manufacturer. She often appeared alongside OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, representing the company in various public engagements. Notably, she led the presentation for OpenAI's GPT-4o model, which is designed for realistic voice conversations.

Her sudden resignation in late September marked a significant change for OpenAI, which is currently undergoing major structural changes, including a shift in governance that removes the control of the non-profit board. Murati cited a desire for personal exploration as her reason for leaving, which adds a layer of intrigue to her departure.

As Murati embarks on this new journey, she joins a growing list of former OpenAI executives who are launching their own startups, including competitors like Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of the AI industry, where innovation and competition are constantly evolving.

Mira Murati's move to establish her own AI startup is a significant development in the tech world. As she seeks funding and builds her team, many will be watching closely to see how her new venture unfolds. The landscape of artificial intelligence is rapidly changing, and with leaders like Murati at the helm of new initiatives, the future promises to be both exciting and unpredictable.